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Gus Leonisky's blog

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Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been forced to defend George Brandis in Parliament after the Senate passed a motion declaring him "unfit to hold the office of Attorney-General" over the Government's criticism of Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs.

Up to 60,000 households will get interest-free loans or discounts on new washing machines, fridges and water heaters under an ambitious $61.5-million election pledge by the Baird government to boost energy efficiency.

Under the policy, tradespeople will also be able to offer upfront discounts on the purchase and installation of energy-efficient air conditioners and heaters.

Environment Minister Rob Stokes said that, for the first time, gas appliances would be included in the energy savings scheme, recognising rising gas prices in NSW.

Almost half of the funds - $26.8 million - will go to help low-income households cut their power bills by purchasing expensive but very efficient whitegoods and major appliances.

The popular ABC program is considering implementing what is effectively a Twitter-based "truth-o-meter".

Or as executive producer Peter McEvoy puts it: "Tony asks someone about the budget. We could then ask [viewers via Twitter]: 'Is this politician answering the question or dodging the question?"'

The results of this snap poll might then be flashed on screen and conveyed to Jones. And if viewers decide the panelist is talking through their hat, Jones could inform them of this, then insist on a clear and direct reply.

With that bumbling, mumbled apology on Tuesday, the Attorney-General's Department's new secretary, Chris Moraitis, may have spared himself and his minister, George Brandis, from a criminal investigation.

"By any measure, the threat to Australia is worsening," Abbott said. "The signs are ominous. ASIO currently has over 400 high-priority counter-terrorism investigations. That's more than double the number a year ago." And so on. This may be factually correct, but is it a prime minister's job to engender fear among his people? Isn't that the terrorists' job?